Backpacking By Canoe

A backpacking adventure does not necessarily require the backpacker to spend all of their time walking. There are many alternatives open to them that can make their adventure just as interesting. Some backpackers will use off road vehicles, some will travel on horseback while still others will make their way by water. It all depends on the personal preferences of the backpacker. Some will say that backpacking by canoe through the wilderness doesn't count as a backpacking adventure since the person merely throws their supplies in the canoe and off they go. But this is not so. They must backpack some of the time or they would be unable to carry their canoe. Most travelers prefer to carry the canoe upside down for ease of carrying and that means supplies will go on their backs.

If the water is without hazards then a canoe trip can be a lovely excursion through the wilderness. But not always is the water perfect. There are times when the canoe must be brought to shore to get around a waterfall or an area of rapids. These are not necessarily long stretches but depending on the area can take the canoeist from the water for a few days along their route. Though their equipment will be in a backpack since its only carried on their backs when they portage or walk from the shoreline to the campsite, the backpacker will often be able to bring a pack with them that they can fill heavier then normal. This also allows for longer journeys since another five or ten pounds of food will make very little difference for the short time it will be carried.

Many of those paddling a canoe feel comfortable enough in the water to paddle down the middle of the waterway they are in. But there is no reason for this. A canoe needs not much more than a half a foot to ten inches of water and so can actually be paddled quite close to shore. Paddling this close can enable the adventurers to see more of the pants, wildlife and water life than out in the middle of the waterway would. This also allows the adventurer to fish on the trip and so have a hot dinner when they are done for the day. Be sure to only take out of the water what you can eat for the meal you're going to make.

Canoeing can be a very quiet enjoyable experience after backpacking through many wilderness trails. It is quieter and brings the backpacker to places that they might never be able to get to otherwise. It is a unique and amazing journey.

Like the amazing trails that backpacker will often venture on canoeing can take these same adventurers along paths that were once traveled by those who were exploring as they were opening up America. Whatever type of backpacking trip you take, whether on foot, by horse or by canoe be sure to treat the wilderness you travel through with respect.